2010 in a nutshell Consolidation in the Championship, as they spent most of the season looking up rather than down before finishing fourth for the second year running, but more disappointment in the one-dayers.

How they finished

LV County Championship Fourth in the Division One

CB40 Fourth in Group A

Friends Provident Twenty20 Third in North Group, lost quarter-final

What they'll be playing in this season

LV County Championship: First Division

CB40 Group C

Friends Life t20 North Group

Captain Glen Chapple. Now 37, and preparing for the start of his 20th season with the county – his third as captain. The key question for Lancashire is how long the skilful seamer's Indian summer can last.

Coach Peter Moores. The move to his native north-west has not turned out as expected for the former Sussex and England coach, as he has found himself working on a shoestring. Expectations have therefore been readjusted, and another solid season would surely be enough for the club to extend the three-year contract on which he joined in 2009.

Overseas player Farveez Maharoof – steady, experienced Sri Lankan seamer who should ease the workload on Chapple in t20 and CB40.

Key player Of a group of Lancastrians in their mid-20s who will all assume greater responsibility this season, the all-rounders Steven Croft and especially Tom Smith have the ability to fire the county to an unexpected success in t20 or more likely CB40.

Finance factor Everything is frighteningly contingent on the major redevelopment of Old Trafford being given the final go-ahead within the next fortnight. Members have already been warned to brace themselves for the worst financial results in county cricket history, with losses of around £2m, because of the delays and legal challenges the club have endured.

Prediction for 2011: Eighth in the First Division If Chapple can stay fit, playing seven of their eight home Championship games on juicy outground pitches gives Lancashire the chance to secure enough wins to confound the most pessimistic predictions. If he is injured, they will do very well to avoid the drop.